Joseph, the 29th pick in the 2011 draft out of Texas, said he was notified the day before that he, and not nominal backup Nando De Colo, who would be playing in Parker’s stead. If he felt any nerves he certainly didn’t show it, scoring eight points, racking up four assists with one turnover and playing energetic defense.

More than anything, Neal noted, Joseph played within himself. That poise was almost certainly a result of the extended time Joseph has spent with the Austin Toros in the D-League.

The competition might not be much to speak of, but the opportunity to play rather than molder on the end of the Spurs bench has been invaluable for a player who joined the NBA after just one season at the University of Texas.